Another bothersome 4Low question help apprecitiated:)

[Spootnuke]

So a month before Christmas 2008, I went out to a friends party, big shindig, and got totally wasted. My dumb ass decided to drive home that night. It was wet outside from rain and I was on some back roads in which where it is mighty muddy. I got out just fine, with my amazing drunk driving skills, and tried to turn around on a two lane road with deep ditches on both sides. I went down one and tried to reverse back out, unfortunately I went to far. 2wd wasn't doing the trick. I switched quickly into 4High to get out quickly since the cops were on the way in the bronco, but it wasn't getting me out either. I finally switched to 4Low and it came out easy as pie. Then my idiot self immediately tried to run down the road in 4low.... I shifted to 2nd and then I tried to shift to third, I probably nearly broke my shifter..., then I realized that something was wrong especially since I was hitting about 4500 to 5500 RPMs.... I got it back in 2wd and drove off. Ever since it has the worst trouble getting into 4low. Some days I'll get lucky, some days it'll go right in and work. (last try was about 2 months ago) I recently took my sound system out, drained my battery too much and other hassles even though is was small, and the lights stop flashing on and off. btw, 4High works perfectly fine. Sometimes when it rains, my 4Low will come on too. Whenever I do try to activate 4Low though, I'll hear the usual click but nothing. The 4High light will actually stay on. I have no problem shifting from 4high to 2wd, I'm just concerned and regret full about my stupid self. I don't get drunk anymore and I don't go to parties hardly anymore, but don't give me no sh*t for it please, just try to help. I'm only 19 so I hope you understand. Any help anyone?

BTW other than the stats in my profile, my vehicle has 160K miles and is still going strong..

 

[Spitfire1975]

I am no expert on T-cases, or anything else for that matter, but I would guess you either broke something or wore it down big time. Might be just as easy to replace it. T-cases are EASY to replace, and if the 98's are anything like the 1st gen rangers, they are cheap. I have been trying to sell one for $50 with an electric shift motor and it seems like someone always has one cheaper.

 

[Spootnuke]

Thats my guess. I imagine I really fricked it up pretty good, but I'm no expert on anything automotive. I'm trying to learn alot from here though. I've been using the tech library for quite some time.. If its just the transfer case, I'll be super happy... This still sucks though. At least honda has a band-aid directly for stupidity. I guess I'll talk to my mechanic then..

 

[Spitfire1975]

the transfer case really is easy if you want to start learning how to keep your truck on the road without a mechanic. Just ask questions and search the tech pages. Its a 1 hr job with very few tools.

 

[Spootnuke]

Hm.... I guess to learn we all must first make mistakes lol. I don't believe theres a scrap yard around here though... I live in an area in which you must drive north or south to get anything. I guess I'm looking on the internet then.

 

[Spitfire1975]

check craigslist. Cheaper than a wrecking yard. No warranty though and don't trust anyone. Use your head and think before you purchase. Do some research and make sure you are not buying some broken hunk of crap. Ask questions, it is usually not to difficult to figure out if someone is trying to blow smoke up your ass.

 

[Spitfire1975]

how close are you to Powhattan? there is a 1999 extended cab ranger being parted out. Do not know if it is 4x4, but chances are good it is. Found it on craigslist.

 

[Spootnuke]

I've just now started hearing that saying here lately... lol. I know, I'm very cautious when it comes to spending money. Thanks again for the advice man.

Powhattan? Never heard of it. I live on the raccoons tail of the Maryland/Delaware Peninsula so... ya... lol. Think its possible I might pick something good off of that? and even if, would it be worth it if it turned out that the T-case wasn't the problem? Replacing it of course

 

[Spitfire1975]

I believe the the 98 and 99 rangers and mazdas are all the same.

 

[Spitfire1975]

But double check to make sure you broke the old one first!! I am no expert mechanic!

 

[Spootnuke]

But double check to make sure you broke the old one first!! I am no expert mechanic!

Of course of course. lol. But will it be worth it if I replace it and it turns out its not broken?

 

[trail B2]

Did you look underneath to make sure that nothing physically damaged the motor linkage and wiring when you went into the ditch?I learned that not drinking takes most of the stupid out of my life.If you learned that at 19 with nobody hurt your winning the game.

 

[Spootnuke]

Did you look underneath to make sure that nothing physically damaged the motor linkage and wiring when you went into the ditch?I learned that not drinking takes most of the stupid out of my life.If you learned that at 19 with nobody hurt your winning the game.

I didn't go into the ditch man, just the bank... lol. Nope, I never wish hurt upon anyone even my own enemies. I don't make a lot... lol. I'll check though just to be sure. I have gone through some nasty shit here this past year soooo yep. I guess it would be a good time to check up on it. The beer is good, the after effects are ok, the harm caused is very debt-full.

 

[JohnnyO]

Drunk driving is like anything else, you've got to practice to get good at it.